![\"Isaac](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/4JN4WRA_260612ChiefsCrusadersSF_048_JPG.jpeg\")
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\nIsaac Hutchinson scores a try for the Chiefs against the Crusaders.
\nPhoto: Brett Phibbs\/Photosport\n<\/p>\n
If Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes was allowed to write the script himself, he couldn’t have penned a better first-half performance than the one his team produced in their 49-12 semifinal win over the Crusaders.<\/p>\n
The Chiefs were simply sensational in the opening 40 minutes, ruthlessly racking up a scarcely believable 42-5 scoreline.<\/p>\n
The defending champs had no answers, as the Chiefs ran in seven stunning tries to slam the gate shut on Crusaders hopes before halftime.<\/p>\n
As flawless as the first was, the second half was equally as sloppy, with the Chiefs adding just one more try to their total.<\/p>\n
First-five Damian McKenzie conducted the carnage with typically mercurial touches, while wing Kyren Taumoefolau opened the scoring with a couple of corkers.<\/p>\n
First, centre Lalakai Foketi sent him away, before a dinky McKenzie grubber landed at Taumoefolau’s feet, as he expertly nudged it back infield, beat the cover and scooped it up to score a stunner.<\/p>\n
Foketi then busted them right open in the midfield, linking with fullback Isaac Hutchinson to spin over the chalk in the tackle of wing Chay Fihaki.<\/p>\n
Hooker Samesoni Taukei’aho went in next, before some individual brilliance by Crusaders first-five Taha Kemara saw him explode through with some silky footwork, throwing it wide to Fihaki to finish in the corner.<\/p>\n
The joy was short-lived though, as the Chiefs struck straight back, McKenzie floating a beautiful ball to wing Leroy Carter, who waltzed over.<\/p>\n
More magic followed, as Liam Coombs-Fabling chipping over the top and regathering, finding Foketi rampaging down the sideline, who threw it inside to lock Tupou Va’ii to dive over.<\/p>\n
The try left a shellshocked Crusaders staring down the barrel of a record halftime deficit.<\/p>\n
After the fireworks of the first, the match meandered to an inevitable result with an error-riddled second half, just one try for each side.<\/p>\n
Second-five David Havili pulled one back for the Crusaders with a determined drive over the line, but replacement halfback Xavier Roe closed the show in the 79th minute, with a strong run from the ruck.<\/p>\n
The second 40 was disjointed, but the damage had well and truly been done in one of the most clinical and decisive wins in Chiefs history.<\/p>\n
Now into a fourth straight final, the side have the opportunity to banish the demons of three consecutive defeats in the big dance.<\/p>\n
Follow the live action here: <\/p>\n